Average Developer who wants to become a world class developer ?

Step one, actually enjoy most of the activities involved in software development. If you don't enjoy it, you'll never be elite.

Become obsessive and single minded. Think about it all the time. Don't fear failure, take it in stride as learning opportunity, a way to strengthen yourself for the future.  Find people who are obsessive about development and get to know them, work with them, let them rub off on you.

Understand that most people won't understand, and they'll think you silly for spending so much time on it. Most people become insecure when those around them really commit themselves to excellence. Many will have confidence eroding remarks disguised as helpful advice. Ignore these people.

Or as someone said earlier in the thread, just do it. Stop being scared and get some balls and really commit yourself to your profession.  There is no list of instructions to follow to acheive excellence, so much of it is just attitude. It requires a firm belief that you have what it takes, and with persistence and hard work eventually you will succeed, despite occasional failure. It also requires you actually get up and do something.

ronk!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006